Immunizations

Chicken Pox

Effective July 1, 2011, Volunteer State Community College is required by Tennessee state law to obtain proof of receipt of two doses of the Varicella vaccine, from all new full-time students prior to the first day of classes of students' initial semester of enrollment. Proof may be shown by immunization records, laboratory evidence of immunity, or a history of the varicella disease that has been documented from a health practitioner.

It is important to note that diagnoses can be in the form of a note, signed and dated, by a health care provider. The health care provider need NOT be the provider who originally treated the disease.

Students who are registering for less than full-time (less than 12 credit hours) are not required to provide proof of the immunization.

Exemptions

This applies only to new, full time students. Currently enrolled students are exempt.

Students born before January 1, 1980 are exempt.

If you have graduated from a TN High School between 1999 and May, 2016 it can be presumed that you've had one dose of the Varicella vaccine.

Temporary exemptions

Students who are pregnant may be exempt from vaccination on a term-by-term basis with written proof from a physician.

Students who are breast-feeding may be exempt from vaccination on a term-by-term basis with written proof from a physician.

Students who have received the first varicella vaccination within thirty (30) days of the first day of classes of student's initial semester of enrollment may be exempt from the second vaccination for one term with written proof from a physician.

Measles, Mumps & Rubella

Volunteer State Community College is required by Tennessee state law to obtain proof of receipt of two doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella ("MMR") vaccine from all full-time students prior to the first day of classes of students' initial semester of enrollment. The MMR vaccine doses must have been administered on or after a student's first birthday.

It is important to note that diagnoses can be in the form of a note, signed and dated, by a health care provider. The health care provider need NOT be the provider who originally treated the disease.

Students who are registering for less than full-time (less than 12 credit hours) are not required to provide proof of MMR immunization.

Exemptions for Both MMR shots

Students born prior to January 1, 1957

Students who provide a signed written statement, affirmed under penalty of perjury, that their religious tenets and practices prohibit their receipt of any type of immunization
(Note: A parent or guardian must sign the statement if a student is under the age of eighteen (18) years)

Students with written documentation from a physician certifying that they are allergic to the MMR vaccine

Students with written documentation from a physician attesting that they have a diagnosed case of measles, mumps, and rubella

Students with written documentation of their laboratory confirmed immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella

Temporary exemptions

Students who are pregnant may be exempt from vaccination on a term-by-term basis with written proof from a physician.

Students who are breast-feeding may be exempt from vaccination on a term-by-term basis with written proof from a physician.

Students who have received the first MMR vaccination within thirty (30) days of the first day of classes of student's initial semester of enrollment may be exempt from the second vaccination for one term with written proof from a physician.

Hepatitis B Immunization

All applicants must complete and submit to the Office of Admissions the Hepatitis B Immunization Health History form. Applicants are not required to complete the shot series. For those students who have reached the age of 18, this form can be completed online at the time of registration. Students under the age of 18 must submit the form to the Office of Admissions with a parent or legal guardian's signature prior to registering for classes.

How to find your immunization records

Check with physician or health department where you obtained your immunizations.

If you cannot find any of your immunization records

Contact your family physician. Be sure to take the immunization form(s) with you. Some physicians refuse to administer the MMR and/or the Varicella vaccination to those over 18 without a reason. The form confirms the requirements necessary to enroll in college. Most insurances do not cover the adult immunizations.

Contact your local health department to see if they offer the immunizations. You will need to make an appointment. Identify your need for an MMR and/or Varicella vaccination and ask what the charge will be. In some cases, they may need to order the vaccine.

Volunteer State Community College is an AA/EEO employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status in its programs and activities. Click here to see our full Non-Discrimination Policy.